Touch Football Australia (TFA) is the national governing body for Touch Football in Australia. TFA has a strategic alliance with the National Rugby League (NRL) and operates in alignment with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), working collaboratively with State and Territory partners to deliver the sport from grassroots to elite.

As part of TFA's strategic plan "The Next Play" (2026-2032), TFA is committed to delivering innovative, participation-focused strategies that grow the game at grassroots and elite levels. Guided by our organisational values of United, Inclusive, Integrity, and Excellence, the Regional Development Lead – Central Australia plays a critical role in delivering the NT Government's Active Regional and Remote Communities Programs across the MacDonnell and Barkly regions.

This role delivers culturally responsive, all-inclusive Touch Football programs in remote Indigenous communities and the regional hub of Tennant Creek, focusing on inclusive community engagement, sustainable competition development, meaningful programs for all ages and capacity building through workforce development.

Child Safe Statement

Touch Football Australia is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Children/Young People that are involved in our sport. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to Child safety and to establish Child safe culture and practices.

Our Values

• United – We work together, connect communities and foster strong relationships across the sport.
• Excellence – We pursue high performance, continuous improvement and quality in everything we do.
• Inclusion – We champion diversity, belonging and accessibility, ensuring our sport is welcoming for all.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, transparency and fairness, protecting the reputation and trust of our game.

TFA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, genders, and abilities.

Location

Based in Alice Springs with regular travel to remote communities across the MacDonnell and Barkly regions required. TFA has a strong belief in the benefits of providing flexible working arrangements and will discuss options with the successful candidate.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The Regional Development Lead - Central Australia is responsible for delivering two NT Government Active Regional and Remote Communities Programs across the MacDonnell and Barkly regions, establishing culturally responsive Touch Football programs in remote Indigenous communities and regional centres with the goal of developing sustainable participation and affiliated associations by the end of the grant cycle.

Reporting to the NT State Manager, this role delivers all-inclusive community programs across multiple communities, coordinates regional carnivals, trains and mentors local coaches and referees, establishes representative pathways, and builds sustainable resources for long-term community capacity and participation.

This role requires cultural sensitivity, strong community engagement skills, comfort working in remote locations and regional centres, and the ability to work autonomously while building meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and regional stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Deliver culturally responsive programs across MacDonnell Region (Mount Liebig, Mutitjulu, Areyonga and Amoonguna) and Barkly communities (weekly Tennant Creek, fortnightly Elliot, monthly Ali Curung, Arlparra, Ampilatwatja).
• Deliver inclusive programs for all ages including youth/adult competitions, including Little Touch (0-6 years) and First Try school programs.
• Coordinate quarterly regional carnivals, Annual MacDonnell Touch Championships and Annual Barkly Championships.
• Partner with schools for program delivery including during/after hours and school holidays.
• Embed inclusion, accessibility, and culturally appropriate practices into all program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with TFA’s Integrity policies, Child Safe practices and Code of Conduct.

Representative Pathways and Competition Development

• Establish and manage All Stars representative programs across Junior, Youth, Open and Senior teams.
• Create development pathways from community to regional competitions, integration with Alice Springs participation at the NT Titles.
• Support cluster-community competitions and regional championship events.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Build respectful, culturally sensitive relationships with Indigenous communities, schools, Aboriginal corporations, and local councils.
• Partner with health services, youth services, and other sport providers to maximize impact.
• Facilitate sports voucher program integration in Tennant Creek and support Alice Springs Touch Association growth.

Capacity Building and Workforce Development

• Train community champions as Foundation Touch Coaches and develop referees through Affiliate Referee courses.
• Deliver monthly coaching and referee workshops covering game management, inclusive practices, cultural integration, and child protection.
• Establish volunteer coordinator roles and facilitate mentorship programs.

Grant Management and Reporting

• Deliver accurate and timely mid-year and annual reports, statistics, and financial statements to the NT State Manager and NT Government.
• Ensure all grant deliverables are met within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Maintain comprehensive records with all participants registered through MySideline.

Key Relationships

• Reports directly to the NT State Manager
• Collaborates closely with communities across MacDonnell and Barkly regions
• Alice Springs Touch Association committee and volunteers
• Engages with Aboriginal corporations, local councils, schools, and community organisations
• Partners with health services, youth services, and other sport providers
• Coordinates with NT Department of People, Sport and Culture Community Sport Officers
• Works cross-functionally with TFA national staff as required

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously across multiple remote locations.
• Cultural sensitivity and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Strong community engagement and relationship building skills.
• Desire to work in sport with understanding of Touch Football.
• Ability to deliver culturally responsive, inclusive programs for all ages.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train and mentor community members in coaching and officiating.
• Strong organisational skills to manage programs across two regions.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and adapt to weather challenges.
• Current driver's licence and comfort with regular remote travel.
• Hold or be eligible to hold Ochre Card (Working with Children Check).

Desirable

• Experience in remote/regional communities and Indigenous engagement.
• Experience with government-funded programs and reporting.
• Foundation Coach or Affiliate Referee qualification or working towards.
• First Aid certification.
• Experience in volunteer coordination and capability building.